« | Psalm 75 | » |
1 To the director: To the tune of "Don't Destroy." One of Asaph's songs of praise. We praise you, God! We praise you because you are near to us. We tell about the amazing things you have done.
2 God says, "I have chosen a time for judgment, and I will judge fairly.
3 The earth and all its people may shake, but I am the one who keeps it steady. Selah
4 "To those who are proud I say, 'Stop your boasting.' I warn the wicked, 'Don't brag about how strong you are.
5 Don't be so sure that you will win. Don't boast that victory is yours!'"
6 There is no power on earth that can make a person important.
7 God is the judge. He decides who will be important. He lifts one person up and brings another one down.
8 The Lord has a cup in his hand. It is filled with the poisoned wine of his anger. He will pour out this wine, and the wicked will drink it to the last drop.
9 I will always tell people how great God is. I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.
10 He will take away any power the wicked have and give it to those who are good.
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.